Program Objectives
The purpose of the PhD in Nursing program is to promote the development of outstanding researchers who will engage in programs of research that will positively influence the health and health care of populations. In addition, graduates of this PhD program will be known as leaders in nursing research and will contribute to the vision of the University of Manitoba to be among the best universities in Canada.
Students graduating from the PhD Program in Nursing will:
- generate and apply new knowledge and understanding of the human condition, systems for care, and data-driven outcomes, specifically as these apply to nursing, nursing’s roles, and individual/family/community/population outcomes;
- develop knowledge in a substantive area of nursing science;
- impact nurses’ contribution to health care, health systems, and health services;
- critique, communicate, disseminate, and integrate the perspectives and outcomes of new knowledge with interdisciplinary partners, programs, policies in the province, and beyond;
- address the needs for nursing leadership in all dimensions of the profession (clinical practice, education, research/evaluation, administration, government policy); and
enhance the research program base in the Faculty of Nursing in developing and translating new knowledge, thereby addressing the professional imperative for evidence informed practice, education, leadership, and policy.
Study with us
Program details
Expected duration: The program typically takes 4 to 6 years to complete.
Course delivery:
- Format: Courses include both in-person and simultaneous virtual delivery for Canadian students living off-site.
- Orientation: Off-site Canadian students must attend the graduate nursing students orientation in August.
- Symposium: Participation in the annual Helen Glass Research Symposium is required; this comes up in April.
Advisors:
- Requirement: All graduate students must have an advisor.
Tuition and fees:
- Fee structure:
- Tuition fees are charged for Terms One, Two, Four, and Five.
- A continuing fee applies for Terms Three, Six, and each subsequent term.
- For detailed fee information, refer to the Graduate tuition and fees.
Sample course offerings
- NURS 8002 - Advanced Philosophy of Nursing Science (3 credit hours)
- NURS 8010 - Advanced Qualitative Research for Nursing (3 credit hours)
- NURS 8020 - Advanced Knowledge Translation and Health Care Policy (3 credit hours)
- NURS 8220* - Advanced Quantitative Research Methods (3 credit hours)
- NURS 8030 - Doctoral Student Seminars 1 (0 credit hours)
- NURS 8040 - Doctoral Student Seminars 2 (0 credit hours)
*NURS 8220 has a pre- or co- requisite course: CHSC 7810 Biostatistics for Health and Human Sciences or equivalent.
For full course descriptions, please visit the Academic Calendar.
Upon graduating from the PhD program in Nursing, students will:
- Develop Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge in their chosen area within nursing science.
- Generate and Apply Knowledge: Create and apply new knowledge related to human health conditions and care systems, focusing on nursing’s roles and impact on health outcomes for individuals, families, communities, and populations.
- Influence Health Care: Contribute to the nursing profession's impact on health care, health systems, and health services.
- Enhance Skills: Improve skills in critiquing, communicating, disseminating, and integrating diverse knowledge perspectives among interdisciplinary partners, programs, and policies at provincial and broader levels.
- Become Leaders: Emerge as leaders in clinical practice, education, research, evaluation, administration, government, and policy development.
- Extend Research: Build upon research programs within the College of Nursing to advance knowledge and evidence translation in nursing, promoting evidence-informed practice, education, leadership, and policy.
Admission requirements
To apply for the PhD in nursing, you need to meet these qualifications:
Master’s degree
You should have a master’s degree, preferably in nursing. We will consider other qualifications on a case-by-case basis.
Research experience
If you don’t have a research-based master’s degree but have experience in collecting and analyzing health-related data, we will review your application individually. If you’re admitted without a research-based master’s or the required courses, you’ll need to complete these prerequisites within the first two years of the PhD program.
Course requirements
You must have completed three specific courses (9 credit hours) or their equivalents:
- NURS 7320: Philosophy of Nursing Science
- NURS 7210: Qualitative Research Methods
- NURS 7220: Quantitative Research Methods
For exceptional Master of Nursing (MN) students
If you are an outstanding MN student at the University of Manitoba applying to the PhD program before finishing your MN, you must also complete:
- NURS 7340: Evidence Informed Practice (for a total of 12 credit hours)
Grade point average (GPA)
You need a minimum adjusted GPA of 3.0 (B) in the last 60 credit hours of university study.
Application review process
Review process
All applications are reviewed by the College of Nursing. The Faculty of Graduate Studies makes the final decision. Admission is competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
Evaluation criteria
We evaluate applications based on your academic and professional background, research interests, leadership skills, and readiness for the program. It’s important to be self-directed in managing your coursework and meeting deadlines.
Additional requirements
English language proficiency
You must meet the English language proficiency standards set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
International applicants
International applicants do not need to find a faculty advisor before applying. After your application is reviewed, we will provide a list of potential faculty advisors.
For more information about the program or application process, please check the Faculty of Graduate Studies guidelines.
How to apply
Entry Term: Applications are accepted for September entry only.
Submission: Applications must be completed online.
Required Application Components
Application Fee
- Application fee (non-refundable)
Transcripts
- Submit unofficial copies of all transcripts.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Provide a current CV detailing your academic and professional background.
Statement of Interest (approximately 500 words)
- Include the following elements:
- A short biographical sketch
- Your reasons for pursuing the doctoral program at the University of Manitoba, College of Nursing
- Your area of substantive interest
- Prior work in your area of interest
- Rationale for selecting the proposed faculty advisor
- Your readiness for doctoral study at this time
Writing Samples
- Submit two writing samples, such as:
- Scholarly work or publications where you are the principal author
- Summary of master’s work
- Documents written for professional work (e.g., briefs, advisories, guidelines, protocols, or policy)
Letters of Recommendation
- Three letters are required:
- One letter from the proposed faculty advisor
- Preferably another academic reference (must be requested within the application)
Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Proof of English language proficiency, if required.
Advisor Confirmation
- Written confirmation from the faculty member who has agreed to act as your advisor. Review the "Find an Advisor" section for guidelines and a list of faculty accepting graduate students.
Additional Documentation
- You must be prepared to submit documentation as outlined in the College's Non-Academic Admission Requirements by July 15.
Contacting Faculty Advisors
- If interested in a graduate degree under the mentorship of a faculty researcher not listed, you may contact the faculty member directly to inquire about potential positions.
Pre-Application Instructions
Please read the Faculty of Graduate Studies application instructions before beginning your application.
Find an advisor
To pursue a PhD in nursing, you must have an advisor who is willing to accept you as a student. Please see our current list of advisors accepting students.
For International Applicants
Advisor Requirement: You are not required to secure a faculty advisor before submitting your application. After your application is reviewed, you will be contacted with a list of potential faculty advisors.
Contacting Faculty Members
- Unlisted Advisors: If you are interested in working with a faculty researcher not listed, you are welcome to contact that faculty member directly to inquire about potential graduate positions. Before reaching out, review the researcher’s profile to ensure your research interests align with theirs.
- Preparation: When contacting a faculty member, provide the following:
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- All academic transcripts from previous post-secondary institutions, including the University of Manitoba (if applicable)
- Descriptions of any previous research or teaching-related experience
If you do not receive a response after several inquiries, it may indicate that the faculty member will not be pursuing further conversation.
For more information about advisors, you can contact the Graduate Program Student Advisor at nursing@umanitoba.ca.
The Student-Advisor Relationship
- Collaboration: Once you have an advisor, you will work together to discuss your learning needs and determine if there is a good fit. The advisor will help you develop a plan for your course of study and will generally serve as your thesis/committee chair or comprehensive examination chair. You must meet with your advisor at least annually, and any changes to your program plan must be approved by them.
- Communication: It is your responsibility to initiate and maintain regular communication with your advisor.
- Policies and Regulations: You are also responsible for understanding and adhering to the Faculty of Graduate Studies policies and regulations, as well as the Supplemental Regulations, which provide the guidelines for graduate study.
Application deadlines
Learn more
Contact us
Admission and application inquiries
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Room 500 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
graduate.admissions@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-9377
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Program inquiries
College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Helen Glass Centre for Nursing
89 Curry Place
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
nursing@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-7452
Toll Free: 1-800-432-1960 ext 7452 (North America)
Fax: 204-474-7682